&The NFLDC Ticker

[Ward]

This will be the thread that will act as our Rumor Central regarding free agents. In addition to the e-mail application, it will also be important for teams to leak information to the public about who their team is going after. In terms of success in the Forum Mock, the teams that do the most, and work the hardest will get the FA's they want. Realism or no.

[djp]

Browns look to find value for QB Anderson

With the Browns appearing set at quarterback, new GM djp appears to be shopping QB Derek Anderson. Anderson struggled throughout much of last season but showed a vast amount of improvement over his last 3-4 games before suffering a season-ending injury.

He's healthy now and looking for an opportunity to be a starting QB again and regain the moxie that he had 2 years ago when he emerged as one of the better young quarterbacks in the NFL.

"This is just a case of too many good players at one position. We are not taking anything away from Derek at all, but we did invest a first round pick on Brady Quinn and it would be stupid not to play him considering the salary cap implications," djp said.

It is unknown the value in return that the Browns are seeking, but one would have to believe a 3rd-round pick is good enough to land this talented quarterback.

[princefielder28]

Staying or going? Houshmandzadeh to be tagged

Wide receiver TJ Houshmandzadeh heads into the off-season as an un-restricted free agent, but the Bengals are prepared ot make sure he doesn't head to another team without a price. The Cincinnati front office plans on placing the "Franchise Tag" on Houshmandzadeh, but their intentions are to move him to the highest bidder.

[RaiderNation]

Big Changes in Oakland?



After coming off a 2 game winning streak, the Oakland Raiders come into the offseason on a high note. But there has been some rumors of big changes. Players like Justin Fargas, Michael Huff, Terdell Sands and Derrick Burgess could be on their way out.

The raiders are looking for a 4th or 5th rounder for Justin Fargas. Fargas is a tough RB who should what he could do when he gets carries. He will be a great #2 RB. The raiders are looking for a 4th for Michael Huff. Huff looked to be a good pick his first 2 season, but after this year he looked to be a bust. Maybe a change of scenery will let this former 7th overall draft pick shine. Derrick Burgess was the sack leader in the NFL in2005. Since then Burgess has been hurt every season. The raiders are looking for a 3rd rounder for Burgess. Oakland is also looking for a 6th for Terdell Sands.

The raiders are also planning on franchise pro bowl CB Nnamdi Asomugha if they cant reach a long term deal. Nnamdi showed last season that he is the NFL's best CB by shutting down WR's like Steve Smith and Andre Johnson.

[SeanTaylorRIP]

Who will be tagged???



Stay Tuned to see who the Ravens tag. Will it be Ray Lewis? Jason Brown? Terrell Suggs? Bart Scott? Maybe Matt Stover? Stay tuned. Ravens are also actively inquiring about acquiring a big time corner or wide receiver.

[bored of education]

Report from Boe Zo a snake in the grass in KC who wants answers
The Chiefs will be players come fre agency and during the draft but will they be buyers or sellers? After a recent interview with Scott Pioli I was told that he really wants to shore up the trenches before making any drastic moves. It's hard for me to speculate what drastic mvoes mean with the tight lipped Pioli.

[diabsoule]

Feb. 5, 2009
by Mike Detillier

New Orleans Saints Off-Season Preview

Metairie, LA -- After a disappointing 2008 campaign, the New Orleans Saints under head coach Sean Payton look to right the ship in 2009. Before the increasingly important free agency period begins, the Saints have already made a splash in hiring new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. Under the departed Gary Gibbs the Saints never lacked talent but underperformed in his three years as defensive coordinator. That looks to change as Williams brings a new attitude and a scheme which is based on putting more pressure on the opposing quarterback.

While the hiring of Williams will certainly bring about a change in defensive scheme and play-calling, it doesn't fix the holes that still linger. The Saints enter the 2009 off-season $5 million over the cap, which is a rare situation under GM Mickey Loomis. With the cap tight, the Saints won't be looking to sign any big name free agents but will look to sign quality role players and savvy veterans. In order to get under the cap, however, the Saints will have to make some roster cuts, most probably to popular players, and will try to restructure some deals with current players like Drew Brees and Reggie Bush.

The Saints aren't just looking at players that played last year on one of the other 31 teams in the NFL. As GM Mickey Loomis emphasized "bringing back players that have been in our system the past couple of years is crucial to our future success." Some of those players are wide receiver Devery Henderson, right tackle Jonathan Stinchcomb, and running back Aaron Stecker. Inside sources have told me that the Saints are not opposed to letting those three players pursue other options around the league if they can not come to terms on a mutually suitable deal. The Saints have young players eager and ready to take over for those three players. Third year wide receiver Robert Meachem and second year wide receiver Adrian Arrington will compete for Devery Henderson's spot if he can't be re-signed, reserve left tackle Zach Strief saw spot duty last season when Stinchcomb was sidelined with an injury and performed admirably, and Mike Bell was impressive in the last game of the season when he replaced an injured Pierre Thomas in the line-up.

It is not the offensive side of the ball where the biggest question marks remain. Several New Orleans Saints officials have stated that bringing back middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma is the Saints biggest priority. Vilma was quite possibly the Saints best defender last season and recently hired defensive coordinator Gregg Williams plans to revolve the defense around Vilma's leadership skills. While Vilma is the Saints top priority, the team also needs depth at cornerback and defensive tackle where both Mike McKenzie and Brian Young could be cap casualties.

The biggest need for the Saints going into the off-season and draft is safety. Free safety Josh Bullocks is a free agent going into the off-season and it does not look like the Saints are interested in bringing him back. Back up free safety Kevin Kaesviharn proved last year that he is better suited for back-up and special teams duty. Strong safety Roman Harper could use some competition to push him for the starting spot. Coach Williams has said that "no one's job is safe. We will play the best player at his position." If that proves anything then Harper better step up his game.

No indications from Saints camp have come in on who they are likely to target in the draft but defense, defense, defense seems to be the recurring theme around Saints headquarters. The team is not known for trading back in the draft but it would make sense for the team to try and trade back since they are devoid of numerous draft picks from off-season trades last year. Needless to say, GM Mickey Loomis and the coaching staff have their work cut out for them as this should be their most challenging year yet.

[Dirty Thirty]

Rumblings from DC

Following an exciting Super Bowl victory by the Pittsburgh Steelers, the NFL off season is officially underway and there are a lot of rumors already flying around Fed Ex field. Owner, Dan Snyder, recently spoke with the Washington Post on some of his initial thoughts. "There are a few areas that we are absolutely looking to make changes. We had a lot of injuries along the offensive line this past season and our starters are aging. Hopefully this is an area that we will be able to add some depth and youth."

"Defensively, we need to be able to put more pressure on the quarterback. We were successful this past season defending the run but we had a lot of trouble generating sacks and penetrating the backfield. We'll spend a lot of time evaluating the available players through free agency as well as the draft and hopefully be able to bring in someone that can make an immediate impact. There is a lot of talent out there. Guys like Albert Haynesworth, Julius Peppers, Terrell Suggs. These are guys that can take us to the next level. We're going to do everything we can to get the right personnel in here but first we are going to concentrate on getting a deal done with DeAngelo to keep him in DC. He had a tough run in Oakland but he really stepped into his own with us and we'd love to keep him around. Coach Zorn and I are confident that DeAngelo wants to be here and that we will be able to reach terms quickly."

[RavenOfProphecy]

Feb. 5, 2009
by Mike Reiss

New England Patriots Off-Season Preview

Boston, MA -- Free agency starts today, and for the first time since 2003, the New England Patriots are coming off a season that ended without a postseason berth. It's easy to point the finger at Tom Brady's crippling knee injury at the hands of Kansas City Chiefs safety Bernard Pollard, but truth be told, there were issues a lot more pressing than quarterback play last season that left the Patriots watching the postseason from home this year despite an 11-5 record in the regular season.

Still, the team's quarterback situation is the most pressing off-season issue for the team this year, as there have been conflicting reports as to whether or not Tom Brady will be good to go for the season opener. At 32 years old, and without having played for a full year when the season starts, he may have a hard time getting back up to speed. The situation is made even more complicated with the emergence of a second star quarterback in town: Brady's backup, Matt Cassel.

Simply put, Cassel played beautifully towards the end of the season, dominating opponents and showing good poise, accuracy, decision making, and mobility. He is a free agent who the Patriots are expected to place the franchise tag on. There's a possibility they try and move him, but some people think that the Patriots would be better off keeping him in case Brady is unable to return to the All-Pro level he had been playing at before the knee injury.

A few other questions remain on offense, namely, what will the team do with first round picks Laurence Maroney (running back) and Ben Watson (tight end)? Maroney has been nagged by injuries during his time in the league and ended up missing most of last season, but carries a cheap price tag ($800,000) into next season. He's also just 24 years old, which means he's still got a lot of time to figure it out. Watson has been less spectacular - a solid blocker with good bulk and speed but who has had trouble catching the ball and getting involved in the passing game.

Defensively, the team has a number of issues despite finishing number eight in the league in points per game last year. The big three of Warren, Wilfork, and Seymour will be back next year, but the rest of the front seven has questions. Inside linebacker Jerod Mayo won the Defensive Rookie of the Year award last year, and played lights-out, and outside linebacker Adalius Thomas looked good before getting injured midway through the season, but Mike Vrabel was unable to replicate his solid 2007 season and Tedy Bruschi looked old and stiff in coverage at times. With youngsters Shawn Crable, Gary Guyton, and Vince Redd on roster, it'll be interesting to see how big of a problem the Patriots see their linebacker corps as.

The defensive backfield is an even bigger concern. The team's pass coverage ranged from mediocre to abysmal last season after losing cornerback Asante Samuel to free agency and safety Rodney Harrison to yet another serious injury. The Patriots tried out a number of veteran cornerbacks with little success - Deltha O'Neal, Lewis Sanders, and Jason Webster were all quickly replaced. Ellis Hobbs struggled with injuries and with matching up against taller receivers, and despite surprising play at times from rookies Terrence Wheatley and Jonathan Wilhite, the team lacks a true #1 cornerback. In addition, safety Brandon Meriweather started playing like a high first round pick, but the team lacks a starter opposite him with Harrison and James Sanders becoming free agents.

It is even more troubling when you consider that New England has lost executive Scott Pioli, who left to become the top dog in Kansas City, and brilliant young offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, who will replace the legendary Mike Shanahan as head coach of the Denver Broncos. Bill Belichick will work with former Tennessee Titans general manager Floyd Reese this off-season in an effort to net the team its fourth Lombardi trophy this decade. It'll be exciting to see what direction they plan on taking in pursuit of that fourth ring. Stay tuned.

[scottyboy]

Giants have plans, but open to trade options; improve staff, retain best player

The New York Giants seem to have a plan for this offseason, and have viable options and ideas to improve the team while staying low on the radar. BUT, words been going around they haven't ruled out trading for a big name player ala Tony Gonzalez or Anquan Boldin. Such rumors have been flying, but GM Mr Scotty Boy gave no info: "Of course we'll keep our options open, we've got some trade possibilities, but of course we don't have to make any. We'll send and field offers and see what we can do."

-In other news, Jessie Armstead has been officially named as Assistant Linebackers coach. Armstead is a 4X Pro Bowler and all pro, beloved by fans and players alike for his time in Big Blue.



-The new GM's and head coach Tom Coughlin have convinced super star stud Jeff Feagles to stay and play the 2009-2010 season. Said Feagles: "I've got one more year on my contract and intend to at least finish it out, I'll be back looking for another ring." However, he didn't rule out the possibility of playing past this year: "Gotta keep my options open, you know. We'll see how this year goes and how I feel. It's always possible that I come back, but I want to focus on winning a championship this year. Didn't want the team to worry, so I decided early to come back".

[Eaglez.Fan]

Lito Sheppard wants out!

Two time probowl cornerback Lito Sheppard and the Philadelphia Eagles have mutually decided to part ways this off-season. Sheppard, 27, did not start one game in the 2008 season due to the signing of Asante Samuel. Lito was very unhappy about this signing, and asking for a trade before last season however a deal could not be put together. Sheppard become a regular starter in his sophmore year in the NFL as an eagle. Sheppard fell hard in the last year going from a top cornerback in the NFC to a backup.

Lito still feels he can return to form and re-gain his probowl status. Eagles Head Coach, Andy Reid also made a point to say that he has no doubt Lito will once again be a starter in the NFL and a potential probowler. Despite being disgruntled and very unhappy about the situation, Sheppard remained a constant professional this season with the eagles. The eagles have already received inquiries regarding Lito and he will be dealt to the highest bidder.

[diabsoule]

Feb. 5, 2009
by Scott Rabalais

Saints Begin Off-Season Work

Baton Rouge, LA -- Inside sources within the Saints organization have reported that the New Orleans Saints front office have begun negotiations with quarterback Drew Brees and running back Reggie Bush in regards to reworking their contracts.

After initial contact, Saints officials and Tom Condon, Drew Brees' agent, are making progress and both sides seem optimistic that a restructured deal could be achieved by as early as tomorrow morning. When contacted by phone Saints GM Mickey Loomis regarded the situation as "open and friendly" and that the two sides "both readily acknowledge Brees' importance to the franchise and that he should be taken care of but Brees is also considerate of the fact that he wants to win a Super Bowl before he hopefully retires as a Saints." Brees signed a six year, $60 million deal with the Saints in 2006.

Negotiations between the Saints and Joel Segal, the agent representing Reggie Bush, have been cool. Bush, the second overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, is one of the highest paid players on the Saints roster and a restructure of his deal, along with Brees, could help pave the way for the Saints to bring in bigger free agents along with allowing them room to wiggle in re-signing some of their own. According to anonymous sources within the franchise, nothing drastic will be done if Bush and the Saints fail to come to an agreement but that it would send the wrong message to the Saints front office if he is uncooperative. Bush signed a six year, $58 million deal in 2006.

The Saints are looking to free up around $5 million to put them under the cap before free agency.

[bored of education]

Another Report from Boe Zo
I have been told by Scott Pioli via smoke signals that Tony Gonzalez and Larry Johnson are on the trade block. The price for them well..he will listen to all sane offers. Pioli also hinted at the idea of keeping Tony if he acquires certain players.

Interesting development.

[RaiderNation]

Thumbs up or Down?

Talks have heated up with the Bengals and Raiders. Chad Johnson, a mutliple time pro bowler, looks to be heading west to Oakland very soon. He would give JaMarcus Russell a #1 WR to work with and help Oakland return to a winning record. The Bengals will likely get a draft pick and a few players.

EDIT:Oakland receives:
WR Chad Johnson
Cincinnati's 6th round pick (#166)

Cincinnati receives:
RB Justin Fargas
FS Michael Huff
Oakland's 3rd round pick (#71)

[RaiderNation]

Good bye Washington, Hello Oakland?

After agreeing in principle to trade for Chad Johnson, the Oakland Raiders might be interested in veteran DE Jason Taylor. After having a down year with the Redskins, Taylor looks like he might find a place to shine in Oakland. Having a healthy Derrick Burgess and Jason Taylor rushing the passer could be deadly. It looks like Oakland will be sending 2 draft picks to get the mutliple time pro bowler. Details will be announce when the commissioner approves.

EDIT: Oakland receives:
Jason Taylor DE

Washington receives: Oaklands 4th round pick(104)
Oaklands 6th round pick(168)

[Gay Ork Wang]

Do you trust this face?



The Chicago Bears FO apparently does. Today, *** Ork Wang spoke to the press and announced that Kyle Orton is definitely going to be the starter going into next year. This will mark the first time for Orton where he can play a whole offseason with the #1 Offense. This also means that the Bears have no intention in grabbing Mark Sanchez if he drops to them on draft day. In other news, *** Ork Wang said, that he is absolutely going to be aggressive in FA and tries to go after either a RT, a big WR or a DE which would help a lot in the draft.

[bored of education]

Another report from Boe Zo

Via Blackberry, Scott Pioli has informed me that a team has made a late 2nd round offer for Tony Gonzalez. Another team has inquired about Tamba Hali for a 5th rounder as well. He said neither were enough.

[jballa838]

Seahawks looking to trade away Pick #4?

According to newly acquired GM jballa, "Let's just say nothing is set in stone for us just yet. Stay tuned."

[wingboy2999]

Lions look to plug holes via FA
by Tom Kowalski | Opinion
Thursday February 05, 2009, 10:38 PM



Don't expect the Detroit Lions to sit idly by during Free Agency. Detroit has loads of cap space and are looking to fill many of the holes on the team. They have their eye on some of the bigger names in free agency.

"It's not a secret that we were, ahem, lacking on defense last year" said coach Jim Schwartz. "I come from roots with teams that have stellar defense. We already have some pieces in place that, if put in the right position, can excel. [Ernie] Sims has all the talent in the world but has fallen off without a big DT in front of him. As for a solution that to that, I can't make any direct comments."

Given the ties Schwartz has in Tennessee it isn't hard to imagine who he would like to have. None other then Albert Haynesworth. Yes, it may seem far fetched but Schwartz knows how to use Albert. He has a productive history and Detroit has a lot of what he will want.... cash.

Yes, Detroit was horrible last year but I fully believe a player on the line the caliber of Haynesworth will drastically change the entire defense. You add a Haynesworth and that frees up Sims to make plays in the backfield. Cliff Avril showed flashes last season. Putting Haynesworth next to him frees him up as well. It will also take pressure off the secondary.

"I like some of the players we have in our secondary. [Gerald] Alexander and [Daniel] Bullocks have showed promise at the safety position" said GM Martin Mayhew. "Injuries have slowed them a bit but they can play. Bullocks was out when Alexander played great his rookie year. Alexander was out last year when Bullocks came on. Put them together and I think you will like what you see."

The team is definitely lacking at CB with poor overall depth. They have a very large pool of money which gives them the ability to look at a starting caliber CB. Several names have been tossed around but nothing concrete. They could be in position to select a corner in the draft but I believe they should look somewhere else with their 1st 2 picks. I'd prefer Dunta Robinson but that is purely speculation.

We will see what Detroit does in the near future.

[neko4]

Green Bay Press-Gazette

Packers Shopping Al Harris



Packers GM Ted Thompson announced that Green Bay was going to trade former Texas A&M-Kingsville and All-Pro CB Al Harris. Mike McCarthy had this to say about Al Harris, "He is a great leader and a fiery competitor. He's tough too. When the doctors said he would be out a year with a ruptured spleen, he proved them wrong and came back in November. He will make a great addition to whatever team he goes to. I was glad to have Al as one of my players, but times are changing in Green Bay."

Al Harris said he wasnt suprised by the decision and looks forward to a bright future on another team. He feels that with a little work he can get back to his '06 form.

The Packers did not say what they were looking for in return and are open to any reasonable offers.

[RavenOfProphecy]

Feb. 5, 2009
by Mike Reiss

Rumor mill: Patriots to tag Cassel, targeting CB?

With free agency quickly approaching, it appears as though the Patriots are preparing to place the franchise tag on quarterback Matt Cassel. It is unknown whether or not hey are planning to use him in place of the injured Tom Brady or trade him, but there are rumblings that New England has talked with other teams around the league and held internal discussions on what they fell his value in a trade is. Cassel would carry a cap number upwards of $14 million if the Patriots decided to keep him on the roster next season.

Additionally, New England is rumored to be interested in adding another cornerback this off-season, whether through trade, free agency, or the draft. This isn't surprising after the Patriots had trouble playing pass defense for much of last year, and a replacement for Asante Samuel would definitely help beef up the defense. Nnamdi Asomugha (if franchised), Al Harris, Carlos Rogers, and Lito Sheppard are potential trade options, and the team could also look at a handful of veteran cornerbacks in free agency as well.

New England is not expected to bring back any of their own free agents at cornerback (Deltha O'Neal, James Webster, and Lewis Sanders), but there are a number of other attractive options. Aside from Asomugha, Rams cornerback Ronald Bartell and Texans cornerback Dunta Robinson are considered the top two free agents at the position, and the Patriots may express interest in a veteran such as DeAngelo Hall or Ty Law, both of whom they expressed interest in signing during the regular season last year.

[Ward]

Commissioner Roger Goodell has announced that wideout Plaxico Burress will be suspended for the first 4 games of the season, but will return to the team for the remainder of the season.

[iBoldin]

Ace in the Cards: Anquan Boldin being shopped?
Boldin's dislike for the Arizona and the Cardinals organization has been well documented.

Just under a week after Super Bowl 43, in which the Cardinals fell just short of their first Super Bowl championship to the Pittsburgh Steelers, there are reports Anquan Boldin has again reiterated his intentions of being dealt to another organization in the NFL.

Boldin has had a troubled year in Phoenix this year. Before the season, there were grumblings that the star wide receiver would like to be traded. However, officials high up in the Cardinals front office dismissed those rumours.

However, talk amongst fans were fueled by the spat between Boldin and newly hired Kansas City Chiefs head coach Todd Haley. However, again, Boldin dismissed those rumors as "nothin'".

But the speculation has been founded once again. This time, the rumors aren't exactly being dis-spelled by general manager iBoldin and his staff.

"We're going to look into some options. We've received offers already for Anquan, however he still has two years on his deal and we intend to keep him in our hands and make a decision from there."

Philadelphia may be the main suitor for the All-Pro receiver's services.

[RaiderNation]

Another Trade?

After trading for Chad Johnson and Jason Taylor, the Oakland Raiders are looking to pick up some more picks. Their current trading block is: CB Nnamdi Asomugha ,DT Terdell Sands, DE Kalimba Edwards, WR Javon Walker, WR Ronald Curry. They are also willing to deal there first two picks(#7 and #40) to get more picks.

[gpngc]

Big Moves Ahead?
With about $41 million in cap space, the Denver Broncos are rumored to be preparing to make a splash in free agency this offseason.

If the Carolina Panthers can't come to terms with unrestricted free agent super defensive end Julius Peppers, the Broncos are expected to offer him a monster deal. Peppers has publicly stated that he would like to play in a 3-4 defense, and with new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan now in charge, Peppers will be the main focus for the front office.

Another possibility is dominant nose tackle Albert Haynesworth, who cannot be franchised by the Tennessee Titans this season. The Broncos don't have a big guy for the middle of their new defense, so they are also rumored to be exploring alternative options at the position including Gabe Watson, Grady Jackson, and Igor Olshansky- who has the versatility to play defensive end as well. Drafting Boston College's B.J. Raji is also a possibility, but it's looking less and less likely that he'll be available at pick #12.

Linebackers Terrell Suggs, Bertrand Berry, LeRoy Hill, and Mike Peterson, along with safeties James Butler, Sean Jones, and Jermaine Phillips are also among the defenders Denver has been rumored to have interest in.

It is early in the process but it looks like the Broncos will be extremely active this offseason, especially on defense.